Hey guys...everyone I've asked is giving me completely dfiferent answers. I know you're supposed to cover up the distributor and intake...avoid spark plugs and electronics...but should the water be hot, warm, or cold? Should the engine be hot, warm, or cold? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
-Galen

 

That's like asking how to drive drunk properly, or proper tactics on sexual harrassment. You are NEVER supposed to use pressure when washing your engine.

 

Oh...so how should I do it...just use a hose?
-Galen

 

Yes, use a hose. Soak your engine with a good environmental degreaser(simply green ect.) let sit for 10 min. Get a good brush with long handle and one with short handle, preferably with medium stiff bristles. Put on some good gloves(there are lots of sharp edges under a hood) and scrub any dirty surface you can reach with the brushes. I have not looked under a second gen. hood in a while but cover any electrical you are afraid will not handle some water. With a low pressure nozle spray off the degreaser as well as get your hose in there and spray any ledges that hold rocks and dirt. Reapply degreaser where needed and repeat, then fire up the engine and dry off. After dry apply your favorite protectant to a rag and wipe all hoses and plastic. If you spray you end up with a spotty job.
The problem with high pressure is you are most likely going to force water where it is not good, as well as you have less control, your garden hose will do fine.
Don't forget to clean the nice mess you will have under the car after(especially if it's on your parents driveway).

 

take it from m3......your alternator will crap out if you don't cover it.......

 

I am going to pressure wash mine... then again no Engine....
Strong decreaser, self etching primer, and paint!
there are advantages to not having your engine done when you had planned!

 

Yes, PLEASE cover the alternator. It withstands water about as well as a thin paper bag.

 

After wash & rinse, a leaf blower (or air blast nozzle) will dry it out.
Then give it a light mist of armorall.
Then use the leaf blower (or air blast) to smooth & shine the armorall.

It not only shines up all the plastic, rubber, & vinyl, but it also helps protect the electrical connections.

 

Thanks a bunch guys!
-Galen

 

Oh...and should I worry about spark plugs...or just try to avoid them and then just dry em off before I start the engine?
-Galen

 

Shouldnt have to worry about the spark plugs.

 

Props to a very clean looking engine bay there SureShot. You could eat off that! Thats something I want to do this spring is clean up my engine bay.

 

yeah that engine is damn sexy! Good job!

ps. with old engines and components come curossion (spelling?) Anyways how do you guys get this meddle currosion off? Thanks

 

Please, for the love of god, do not start the engine just after washing it.

The best thing to do is bring the car to wherever you're washing it, seal off all the electrical connections and such (as stated), then start the car just so that you know you did not accidentally mess anything up (that you would otherwise have attributed to the water) such as knock a connection or terminal loose. Now wash the engine bay, scrub, use cleaners if you wish, etc. Then just let the thing dry for a few hours.

The last thing you want to do is start the engine when it's covered in water. There are so many places that should not be inhaling water, that it's just not a good idea.

Just a word of advice from someone who's lived and learned.

 

Awesome...Will a blow-dryer work to speed up the drying pocess (cold air blow dryer)?
-Galen

 

I had mine power washed at a car wash that had a detailing section. Covered alternator, ignitors, and stuffed rags in the intake. Let the car cool 1 hour before the wash. High pressure hose to blow off H2O and than hand dried as best possible. She started right up, no problems and relatively clean.

Brought it home and did a detail cleaning on the spots that were missed.

The only problem with an at home hose wash is the crap/oil/cleaner that may set into your driveway whatever it is made of. A few bucks is worth the good cleaning and a clean driveway.